I was in an all-black church in Rochester, and God told me to leave and go to an all-white church. I went from evangelist to parking lot attendant. That was hard. Friends were talking about me. But I heard the pastor offering the Word to people. It deposited discipline in me. Later he said I had something to offer him _ liberality in worship.

I parked cars for five years, and did some counseling. Then I felt a strong call to come to the Fort Lauderdale area. We packed everything and sold our home. We came here in 1992, and I started preaching right in my house. Then we rented a school. Now, we have a 15,000-square-foot building and 700 members. And we're out of space.

Favorite part of your work?

Seeing people go through a transformation. The Bible says that when someone is in Christ, old things pass away and all things become new. His spirit is alive to God, but certain thoughts and habits have to die. It blesses me to see someone come into the Kingdom. But it amazes me to see a caterpillar change into a butterfly. That's a daily process.

What do you do to relax?

Freshwater fishing. I like to catch bass on Lake Okeechobee. Sometimes I go back up to Rochester. I know all the little lakes and streams where the fish are, like 45-pound king salmon. I usually go in the fall. I love to see changing seasons. And fishing at that time is fabulous.

Favorite pastime?

I love action movies, like U.S. Marshals. I also saw The Apostle and liked it. It showed a man who wants to please God, but has struggles with women and the flesh.

Favorite music? Favorite performer(s)?

Helen Baylor. And Kirk Franklin. He teaches with music that no one else does. I believe there is no such thing as gospel or secular music; there is only gospel or secular lyrics.

Once I brought a group of Christian rappers here, called G's-Us 4 Life. I was sticking my neck out. But during the concert, the parking lot filled with kids. One of the group rapped his whole life story, of going from drugs to Christ. During the altar call, the place was filled with kids crying.

Favorite teams?

The Bulls. My wife is a Heat fan. I love the Heat as long as they're not playing Chicago.

Favorite film?

The King and I. It shows the King of Siam in a dilemma. There was much he didn't know, but he couldn't let the people see that. Like so many of us pastors. (Laughs.)

What one thing would you change about yourself?

How I take care of myself physically, in diet and exercise. I've been taking garlic, and I bought a juicer. I use it for carrots and barley green powder.

What biblical or historical character would you most like to meet?

It's a tie between Paul and David. Anyone [like David) who was described as a man after God's own heart, I want to know that man. And Paul was one of the most profound people in Scripture. And he preached his message in spite of what people said and did. I like people who are successful, but show scars, too.

Your motto or favorite scripture verse?

2 Cor 2:14: ``Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of his knowledge in every place.''